User:Zebragrrl

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Karen Englebeck

Member since April 14, 2017

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• Board of Directors 2018
• Board of Directors 2019
• Resources Manager 2019

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Education

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Studied Computer Aided Drafting at Lane Community College in Eugene, OR

Studied Graphic Design, Illustration, and 3D Modelling at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, CA

Studied Film & Television Production, Jewelry Design, and Sculpture at Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, CA

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Hey, it's me, Karen. I'm a member of the Eugene Makerspace Board of Directors (2018, 2019), and I serve as the "Resources Manager" for the space.

I try to be available at most Open Hack nights, so if you need to reach me in person, that's one good way. I'm also @zebragrrl on the EMS Slack Chat, so if you need a faster response, hit me up there.

Software Recommendations

In terms of making, sometimes it can be a pain to figure out which software is "best" for a given job. The truth is often that more than one software package may work to do the job, and which one you choose comes down to personal preferences. Below is a list of software packages that I like using, and/or recommend for others to try out. Most of these are free, or have free versions available.

⬇ Click here to Expand ⬇

• Tinkercad by Autodesk

  Simple to use, web-browser based 3D design tool, that can output OBJ and STL models for 3d printing, or even SVG for laser cutting.

2.5D Modelling for CNC

• Easel by Inventables

  Without a doubt, the simplest to use application on this list. It's all on the web. You create a free user account, draw the shapes you want to cut out, right in your web browser, save the project to your account.. and you're done. You can then visit the Makerspace, and log in to the site using the computer attached to the machine you want to use, and then it's a simple matter to export the Gcode needed to tell the machine what to do! Bing, bang, boom.. no worries about file formats or compatability, or remembering to bring your thumb drive.

Platforms:

Web based application - most operating systems

Useful for:

• 2D and 2.5D design for top-down CNC milling

3D CAD Modelling

• SketchUp Make 2016

  This version of SketchUp Make was the last to support 32-bit computers. SketchUp saw very few changes over the years, and the changes that were introduced were often very subtle. Using the "SketchUp Make" series is a particularly good choice in my opinion, as the newer, web-based SketchUp doesn't allow you to install third-party plugins. Plugins which can add the ability to export files and models to .svg or .stl.. both file formats that you're likely to need for CNC or 3D printing.

Platforms:

Windows and Macintosh

Useful for:

• Overall project design and planning
• Design for 3D printed parts - (outputs .dae natively, but a plugin allows .dxf and .stl)
• A plugin can output .svg files for import into 2D and 2.5D design applications, but may require an additional step.

To get files from Sketchup to Easel, create a 2d representation of the outlines/cuts of the object(s) you wish to convert to SVG, then use Flights of Ideas SVG Export Plugin to create the SVG. Then load the SVG in MakerCam, and immediately re-save the SVG it creates. This will now be loadable in Easel.

Shop Tool Experience

The following is a not-necessarily-complete list of the tools at the shop that I'm familiar with using.

• The Big CNC Router Table ⭐ Note: I may be the shop 'expert' in terms of operating this machine
• Vinyl Cutter ⭐
• 3D Printers
• Most Woodworking Tools (not the Lathe or the Scroll Saws)

Current Projects

• "Doozer" Scratch-built CNC Machine
• "Angry Snake" Scratch-built Power Hacksaw
• Reviving the D&M4s Machining Center CNC

Past Projects

• Raspberry Pi Arcade Cabinets
• Lego Minifigure Display
• Shop Signage
• Building Shop Computers